June 7, 2006

Sun Shines Bright on BMI at Florida Music Fest

BMI's participation in the 5th annual Florida Music Festival and Conference, held May 18-20 in Orlando, was obvious from the start, with its eye-catching pop-art showcase posters plastered all over the downtown area. With a strong presence that was heard loud and clear, FMF served as an important outlet for BMI Writer/Publisher executives to network in a relaxed setting.

BMI's Samantha Cox, Ruse singer John Dauer, Ruse drummer Jason Young, BMI's Lynn Oliver, Ruse guitarist Jim Bilus, BMI's June Neira and Ruse bassist Mark Stoltze 

The three-day festival, the largest of its kind in that city, included over 250 bands on 15 stages and proved successful for BMI in discovering new musical talent, including bands like Scenes From A Movie and Suburban Tragedy, among others. BMI showcased several artists on two stages, featuring some of the most captivating performances of the event. Industry watchers made their way between the two venues, listening to performances from Dish, Kalen Nash, Kiteline, the Ruse, Monochromatic, Elevation, the Hero Factor, Manchester Orchestra, and headliners Third Eye Blind.

BMI's Lynn Oliver, John Cole, Kalen Nash and BMI's Samantha Cox

BMI's Samantha Cox participated in two of the festival's panel discussions: one at music production/business school, Full Sail, and the other at FMF entitled "By the Numbers," which featured leading industry professionals explaining how to turn artist income into millions.

Singer Kalen Nash performs on the BMI Wall Street stage

BMI's Samantha Cox, Manchester Orchestra members Chris, Andy, Jeremiah and Jay, and BMI's June Neira 

Manchester Orchestra performs at the Florida Music Festival 

BMI's Samantha Cox, Elevation members John, Jacob, Nathan, John and Andrew, and BMI's Lynn Oliver